Gabby Petito's parents sue Moab Police for mishandling domestic violence incident involving their daughter

In the days leading up to Petito’s disappearance, she and Laundrie were involved in a heated altercation that prompted a 911 call from a passerby. When police arrived, they reportedly treated Petito as the aggressor, despite her visible distress and injuries. The officers ultimately did not arrest Laundrie or file charges, instead suggesting that the couple spend the night apart. This decision has drawn significant scrutiny, especially after Petito’s remains were discovered in September 2021, and Laundrie later confessed to her murder in a notebook found after his death. The family’s lawsuit seeks accountability for the police’s actions, arguing that had they intervened appropriately, Petito might still be alive.

Background of the Incident

On August 12, 2021, Moab police officers stopped Petito and Laundrie’s van after receiving a report of a domestic disturbance. Bodycam footage from the incident shows Petito in tears, explaining that they had been fighting and that she had become stressed. Despite the evidence of a domestic dispute, police officers decided not to arrest Laundrie, who had minor scratches on his face, and instead booked him a hotel room for the night. This decision has been criticized as a failure to protect Petito from an abusive situation.

Legal Actions and Investigations

Following Petito’s death, her parents initiated legal action against Laundrie’s estate and the Moab Police Department. They argue that the police’s failure to act on the domestic violence incident directly contributed to the circumstances leading to their daughter’s murder. An independent investigation into the police response concluded that the officers made several errors, including not interviewing the 911 caller and failing to document Petito’s injuries properly. The investigation suggested that Laundrie should have been arrested, raising questions about the police’s handling of domestic violence cases.

Ongoing Impact

The tragic case of Gabby Petito has sparked national conversations about domestic violence and the responsibilities of law enforcement. Petito’s parents have been vocal about their desire to raise awareness and prevent similar tragedies, emphasizing the need for better training and protocols for police handling domestic violence incidents. Their lawsuit against the Moab Police Department is part of a broader effort to seek justice for their daughter and advocate for victims of domestic abuse.